What We Can Learn from Old Dogs

What We Can Learn from Old Dogs

By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com 

I recently came across a TEDx talk by David Waters titled “What Can We Learn from Old Dogs?” at Purdue University. It struck me as a perfect opportunity to explore how traditional wisdom, especially that of "old dogs," aligns with conservative values of resilience, continuity, and respect for experience. As we dig deeper into Waters' observations, there are important takeaways for how we live our lives today, particularly in contrast to the rapid, often reckless pace of modernity.

David Waters is a veterinary oncologist who has devoted his life to studying aging in dogs. His key focus in this TEDx talk is on longevity and health, not just in our beloved pets, but what we can glean for ourselves from their life patterns. His work highlights what conservatives have long known: there is value in the tried and true, in learning from the past rather than being obsessed with reinventing the wheel or rushing toward innovation for its own sake.

The Value of Patience

One of the most striking points Waters makes is that the habits and routines of old dogs often mirror what we know helps humans age well: moderation, consistency, and patience. As a conservative, I see this reflected in our societal values. Our culture today is plagued by the "instant gratification" mindset. We expect results immediately, whether it be in politics, health, or even personal success. But, as Waters points out, longevity—both in life and in health—is about pacing oneself and making thoughtful, deliberate decisions.

In a broader sense, this speaks to a conservative approach to governance and societal development. Instead of radical transformations or rushing headlong into untested policies, we favor prudence and incremental change. Like old dogs, we understand that wisdom comes with experience and patience.

Respecting Experience

Another lesson from Waters’ talk is the reverence we should have for the elderly—whether human or canine. As conservatives, we believe in upholding traditions and maintaining a connection to our past. Old dogs, with their greying muzzles and slower pace, carry the weight of years of experiences. They teach us that slowing down doesn’t mean losing value, but rather gaining it in a different form.

In our society, however, we often discard the elderly, viewing them as relics of a bygone era. This is the same progressive mentality that seeks to uproot traditions, discard the lessons of the past, and pursue utopian dreams with no regard for the consequences. In contrast, as a conservative, I argue that we must look to our elders—both human and canine—for their wisdom. They have survived life's hardships and have important lessons to impart. The quiet wisdom of old dogs reminds us that experience, not youthful exuberance, is the true key to navigating life.

A Conservative Approach to Health and Well-being

Waters emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle for both dogs and humans, including proper nutrition and moderate exercise. This is where personal responsibility comes into play—a value central to conservatism. Rather than depending on a government or external force to take care of us, we believe in individual accountability. Just as an old dog that’s been well-cared for in its youth is more likely to age gracefully, so too will we thrive if we take personal responsibility for our health and well-being.

Progressive policies that advocate for cradle-to-grave government oversight and control rob individuals of this responsibility. Instead of empowering citizens to take care of themselves, they create dependency, ultimately weakening both the individual and society as a whole. Old dogs teach us that self-care and personal stewardship are the keys to longevity, not endless reliance on external forces.

Conclusion: Learning from "Old Dogs"

David Waters’ talk is a reminder that age-old wisdom—whether observed in our pets or in our traditions—remains relevant, even in today’s fast-paced world. Conservatives know that the lessons from the past are vital in guiding us toward a stable and prosperous future. Just as old dogs show us the importance of patience, experience, and personal responsibility, so too must we apply these principles in our own lives and our society. By respecting the wisdom that comes with age, we can ensure that our culture remains grounded in the values that have sustained us for generations.

In the end, it’s not about rushing to embrace every new trend or discarding the old as irrelevant. Instead, it’s about striking a balance—learning from the past and applying those lessons in a thoughtful and deliberate way. Like an old dog, we should slow down, take stock, and appreciate the beauty in longevity and experience.

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Citations:

Waters, David. "What Can We Learn from Old Dogs?" TEDxPurdueU, 2018. TED, https://www.ted.com/